This content was published: April 21, 2003. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Congressman Wu announces legislation to establish community college partnerships
Photos and story by James Hill
PORTLAND, OR – Congressman David Wu today announced new federal legislation that will help community colleges establish partnerships with universities, allowing more students to finish their college education at four-year institutions. The announcement came during an event at Portland Community College where Congressman Wu was joined by Portland State University President Daniel O. Bernstine, Portland Community College Executive Dean Bill Christopher, and students and administrators from PCC and PSU who talked about how the PCC – PSU partnership has benefited Oregon students."With rising college costs, it makes sense for many students to start their college education at a local community college and finish at a four-year university," said Congressman David Wu. "My legislation helps make that transition seamless."Portland Community College has partnerships with a number of Oregon universities, including Portland State University, that allow students to seamlessly enroll at both schools with a single application. This partnership allows easy transfer of credits, access to facilities at both campuses, coordinated financial aid, and so on. For students with limited incomes, or with below average academic records, this partnership can make the dream of a four-year college degree a reality.Congressman Wu’s Community College Partnership Act builds on Oregon’s success by creating a federal grant program to establish similar partnerships throughout the nation.As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Congressman Wu has been fighting to increase access to higher education for Oregonians. Earlier this year Congressman Wu introduced a bill calling for an increase in federal Pell Grants, and introduced a bill that removes the cap on the amount of student loan interest that is tax deductible.For more on the PCC dual enrollment program, see: www.pcc.edu/pro/dual_enroll.htm.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »